I am really in awe of all of you who run in the snow and freezing weather. I am the fast walker who isn't very fast right now. Actually is a penguin a slow runner? Can I be considered a penguin if I am a walker? Actually tonight on my treadmill I will see if I can jog for 1 mile. I was able to do so, but haven't tried recently because I have been walking. But tonight I will do the run. Talking about bucket list stuff, before I shuffle of this mortal coil, I would like to try a real live running/jogging 5 K. Tonight may be the start of something big, or not. You all are such inspiration.

I am really in awe of all of you who run in the snow and freezing weather. I am the fast walker who isn't very fast right now. Actually is a penguin a slow runner? Can I be considered a penguin if I am a walker? Actually tonight on my treadmill I will see if I can jog for 1 mile. I was able to do so, but haven't tried recently because I have been walking. But tonight I will do the run. Talking about bucket list stuff, before I shuffle of this mortal coil, I would like to try a real live running/jogging 5 K. Tonight may be the start of something big, or not. You all are such inspiration.

Thank you

Joan the PT

Hi Joan!

Congratulations on taking the first steps towards that 5K goal. You CAN do it--many of us here have...and some went from relatively little activity to finishing a 5K.

It's a 9-week program where you do walking/running intervals to work up to that 5K distance. One good thing about it is that it increases your running intervals gradually, preventing injury and building endurance. It's a program that many of us here have completed.

In fact, my last day of the C25K program was the first time I ever ran in a 5K race (I had been a strong walker/weekend hiker before that). I believe there are other programs out there, but that's the one I'm most familiar with.

I am starting the c25k tonight. I was going to start early this morning but I wimped out and let my excuses talk me out of it. i am tossing those excuses to the curb and not going to listen to them anymore.

Joan the PT- I wish you well with your training. This c25k program is something I know I can do. Very easy to follow and I do like the way it will ease me into running nonstop for 30 min.

I really had three awful runs last week. I hated them, I trudged through them, walked more than I should, was just generally miserable. Despite that, I decided to graduate myself to week 2 of the 10k plan on Monday, just to see if longer runs + less intervals of walking was easier mentally. Because that's pretty much always where I struggle. The mental part of this game.

It was FREEZING for Savannah, 15 with windchill, so I donned my Mizuno Breath Thermal Tights and shirt, another technical shirt and running jacket, hat and mittens and headed out.

Well. In my desperation to get back to the car, I shaved almost a full minute off my average pace dropping me in the 13.30 mm range over 4.3 miles. And the run felt good. I guess last week was about building up to a further time/distance and Monday was the payoff. I obviously like to run warm, because apart from flipping back the tops of the mittens, I didn't shed a single layer.

As for those of you considering the C25k. I'll add another endorsement. Apart from general chasing around after small chiildren, I have no exercise background at all. But the C25K program was totally doable. Go for it!

Cold weather gear folks - I'm a big fan of the Mizuno Breath Thermal stuff. It's not cheap, but the fabric actually generates warmth from sweat. It's pretty amazing. I have enough rest days built in, that I can get away with a single set. For now I am running in clear, dry, Southern winters, but next week and the following, I'll be in CT, so hopefully I'll be able to keep getting outdoors.

I won a pair of shoes from the local running store in a trivia competition, so I went in to get them yesterday, and my current shoes reveal that I'm landing on my mid/fore foot which I'm very happy about. I'm anxious to avoid injury through excessive heel striking, and as I new runner I didn't want to start out in a way that might lead me into trouble.

Need to get my single set of winter gear washed ready for tomorrow's run.

Melissa - I too ran Sunday in the rain in Parma, Ohio. It was 36 degrees and it was wonderful. I too was the only one on the trail through the park that I saw. I ran 3.6 miles at about a 13:40 mm pace. That was faster than I have been in the snow! This morning though it was so cold my dogs didn't even want to go out. I ran 2.5 on the dreadmill. I just hate it. Besides being in the basement and boring, it's dusty and I don't breathe well down there. Hopefully Thursday will be manageable outside. I'm hoping Santa brings more some better cold weather apparel because I love running in the snow at 6am. I can handle "feels like 14 degrees", but I am not sure about "feels like -2"!

Slow Running - I think I wear more clothes in this winter weather than everybody else. I have had arthritis for about 20 years and if my legs and feet get cold I am dead in the water. But I love running outside so....I just add more clothes. I love running at 6am in the snow. It's so bright, quiet and peaceful. I really need to purchase some quality winter gear. It's just really pricey. Right now I am wearing a set of cuddle duds and lots of layers. I do have a few pairs of under armor socks though and they really help.

What a great thread, fellow penguins. How amazing so many wonderful people have found their way here.

willwrite4chocolate - Sunday when I ran I wore a Sugoi wind and rain jacket I found on eBay. Running in the snow early in the morning I have been wearing a fur lined hoodie as my last layer. It doesn't look too cool, but it's warm. There aren't too many people out that early anyway

I would love to join you guys! January and February are crazy for me but throw some dates out and I am sure we can make something work. I am slooooooooooooooooow as long as you all are ok with that!! Maybe even before year end!!!

And kudos, by the way, for running outside in this horrible weather.......after much snow shoveling, I felt like it was too slippery. I did some dreadmill duty tonight....just had to keep reminding myself how good it feels when you are done!